How Many Hours to Read the Bible – Old & New Testament

Ever had that moment, maybe late at night or during a quiet Sunday morning, where you look at the Bible on your shelf and a wild thought pops into your head: “Could I read this whole thing?” The thought is usually followed by another one: “Just how many hours to read the Bible would that even take?”

If you’re looking for the quick, straight-to-the-point answer, here it is: reading the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation takes, on average, between 70 and 80 hours.

But honestly, that number feels a little like saying a cross-country road trip takes 45 hours of driving. It’s technically true, but it misses the entire point of the journey. It doesn’t account for the stops, the amazing views, the unexpected detours, or the way the journey changes you.

Reading the Bible isn’t about clocking in and out. It’s a life-changing encounter. So while we’re going to break down all the numbers—the hours, the words, the daily plans—I really want to talk about what that time spent in God’s Word actually looks like. It’s a journey I’ve been on myself, full of starts and stops, and it’s one I’m excited to explore with you.

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Key Takeaways

• Total Reading Time: It takes the average reader about 70-80 hours to read the entire Bible aloud or at a typical reading pace.
• Old Testament: This section takes the longest, clocking in at around 55-60 hours.
• New Testament: Being much shorter, the New Testament can be read in about 18-20 hours.
• Audio Bibles: Listening to the entire Bible usually takes a bit longer, somewhere around 90 hours on a standard playback speed.
• The Goal Isn’t Speed: The most important takeaway is that understanding and connection, not speed, are the true goals of reading Scripture.

My First Attempt at Reading the Bible Cover-to-Cover

I remember my first serious attempt to read the Bible all the way through. I was in my early twenties, full of zeal, and I had a plan. I calculated the number of chapters, divided by 365, and figured out my daily quota. I was going to conquer the Bible in a year.

It started off great. Genesis and Exodus were incredible, full of stories I’d known since I was a kid. Then I hit Leviticus. Suddenly, my determined pace slowed to a crawl. All the rules about sacrifices and offerings felt so dense and, if I’m being honest, a little disconnected from my life.

I got bogged down. I felt guilty for losing steam. My grand plan to “conquer” the Bible ended with me feeling defeated by it. It took me a few more tries over the years to realize my entire approach was wrong. I was treating the Word of God like a textbook to be finished, not a letter from a Father to be cherished. That shift in perspective changed everything. It was no longer about how many hours it took, but about the quality of the hours I was giving to it.

Let’s Break Down the Numbers: How Many Hours for Each Testament?

Alright, even though it’s not just about the numbers, it’s still helpful to have a map for the journey. Knowing the time commitment can help you set realistic goals. The entire Protestant Bible contains roughly 783,000 words.

Your personal reading speed makes a big difference. According to a study by Washington University in St. Louis, the average adult reading speed is about 200 to 250 words per minute (WPM). We’ll use that as our baseline.

Calculation: 783,000 words / 225 WPM = 3,480 minutes.

3,480 minutes / 60 minutes per hour = 58 hours.

I tend to estimate a bit higher, around 75 hours, because Bible reading often involves more complex names, places, and concepts that naturally slow us down. Plus, you’re going to want to pause and think about what you just read.

How Long Does It Take to Read the Old Testament?

The Old Testament is the bulk of the Bible. It makes up about three-quarters of the entire book. It’s a vast collection of history, law, poetry, and prophecy that tells the story of God’s relationship with His people before the coming of Jesus.

• Approximate Word Count: Around 600,000 words
• Estimated Reading Time: 55 to 60 hours

Reading the Old Testament is a serious commitment, but it’s so worth it. This is where you see the foundations of our faith being laid. You walk through the creation of the world, the lives of the patriarchs, the exodus from Egypt, and the beautiful poetry of the Psalms. Don’t be intimidated by its size!

And What About Reading the New Testament?

The New Testament is much shorter and feels more focused. It tells the story of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, the birth of the early church, and the promise of His return.

• Approximate Word Count: Around 180,000 words
• Estimated Reading Time: 18 to 20 hours

You could read the entire New Testament in a weekend if you were really dedicated. Its message is the core of the Christian faith. It’s where we meet Jesus face-to-face in the Gospels and learn how to live out our faith through the letters of Paul, Peter, and John.

Why Does Your Reading Pace Matter So Much?

The 75-hour estimate is just an average. You might be faster or slower, and that’s perfectly okay. Several things can influence how long it takes you to read the Bible.

• Your Purpose for Reading: Are you reading for a broad overview, or are you doing a deep study? Studying a passage, looking up cross-references, and taking notes will obviously take much longer than simply reading for comprehension.
• The Bible Translation You Use: Some translations, like the King James Version (KJV), use older, more complex language that can slow a modern reader down. Others, like the New Living Translation (NLT) or New International Version (NIV), use more contemporary English and can be read more quickly.
• Your Familiarity with Scripture: If you’ve grown up in the church, you might read through familiar stories more quickly. If it’s your first time, you’ll likely spend more time absorbing new names, places, and concepts.
• The Specific Book You’re Reading: You won’t read every book at the same pace. You might fly through the narrative of 1 Samuel but spend weeks meditating on a single chapter in Romans.

Is It Better to Read for Speed or for Understanding?

This is the real heart of the matter, isn’t it? Our culture is obsessed with efficiency and speed. We want life hacks and shortcuts for everything. But when it comes to the Bible, speed-reading is a terrible strategy.

God’s Word isn’t meant to be consumed; it’s meant to be contemplated. It’s living and active. It’s designed to read us as much as we read it. Slowing down allows the Holy Spirit to speak to us through the text. It gives us time to ask questions, to pray over what we’re reading, and to let the truth sink deep into our hearts.

The Problem with Treating the Bible Like Any Other Book

I made this mistake for years. I’d try to read three or four chapters a day, check it off my list, and move on. I was getting through the content, but the content wasn’t getting through me.

The Bible isn’t a single book; it’s a library of 66 books written over centuries by dozens of authors in different genres. You don’t read a poem the same way you read a historical account. You don’t read a legal document the same way you read a personal letter.

Think about it this way: you might sprint through the genealogies in 1 Chronicles, but you should walk slowly through the green pastures of Psalm 23. You might carefully read the detailed instructions for building the tabernacle in Exodus, but you should sit and weep with Jeremiah as he laments over Jerusalem. Each part requires a different pace.

What Are Some Practical Ways to Read the Whole Bible?

So, how can we approach this massive, beautiful book in a way that’s manageable and spiritually fruitful? There are lots of great methods out there. The key is to find one that works for you in this season of your life.

The ‘Bible in a Year’ Challenge: Is It Right for You?

This is probably the most popular plan. Reading the entire Bible in a year is a fantastic goal, and it’s more achievable than you might think.

• The Daily Commitment: It breaks down to reading about 3-4 chapters a day.
• The Time Investment: This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes each day.

For many people, this structure provides the consistency they need to finally get through the whole Bible. The downside is that it can sometimes feel like a marathon, especially in the denser parts of the Old Testament. If you fall behind, it can be discouraging. But don’t let that stop you! If you miss a day, just pick up where you left off. It’s not a legalistic contract.

A Slower, More Meditative Approach

Maybe the “Bible in a Year” plan feels too rushed for you. That’s totally fine. The goal is transformation, not just information.

Consider a slower pace:

• Read one chapter a day. This is a simple, low-pressure way to be in the Word daily. It takes just a few minutes but creates a powerful habit.
• Focus on one book at a time. Spend a whole month reading and re-reading a shorter book like Philippians or James. You’ll be amazed at the depth you uncover.
• Follow a topical plan. Instead of reading cover-to-cover, you could study what the Bible says about a specific topic, like grace, prayer, or forgiveness.

What About Using an Audio Bible?

Audio Bibles are an incredible resource. They allow you to listen to Scripture while you’re driving, working out, or doing chores around the house. It’s a fantastic way to redeem time that might otherwise be wasted.

The total listening time for the Bible is usually around 90 hours. This is longer than reading because spoken word is naturally slower than silent reading. Many apps allow you to increase the playback speed, but I’d caution against going too fast. Hearing the Word read aloud can bring a new dimension to the text, and you don’t want to miss that.

How Can I Stay Motivated When I Get Bogged Down?

Let’s be real: at some point, you will get bogged down. It happens to everyone. You’ll be reading through a long list of names or a detailed set of laws, and your motivation will plummet. What do you do then?

First, know that it’s normal. Don’t feel guilty about it. Second, here are a few things that have helped me push through those moments:

• Remember Your ‘Why’. Why did you decide to read the Bible in the first place? Was it to know God better? To find wisdom for your life? To deepen your faith? Keep that purpose at the front of your mind.
• Pray Before You Read. This is the simplest yet most powerful tip. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart and mind to what He wants to show you in His Word, even in the parts that seem boring or confusing.
• Find a Reading Partner. Share the journey with a friend. You can keep each other accountable, talk about what you’re reading, and encourage one another when you hit a wall.
• Switch Things Up. If you’re getting stuck in a historical book, take a break and read a Psalm. If you’re lost in prophecy, spend a few days in the Gospels. It’s okay to jump around if it keeps you engaged with the Word.

In the end, the question of “how many hours to read the Bible” is a good starting point, but it’s a terrible destination. The real prize isn’t a checked box or a completed reading plan. It’s the relationship.

It’s the quiet moments when a verse you’ve read a hundred times suddenly comes alive with new meaning. It’s the peace that settles in your heart after spending time in the Psalms. It’s the wisdom you find for a difficult decision in the book of Proverbs. It’s the overwhelming love you feel when you read the story of Jesus in the Gospels.

That’s a journey that takes a lifetime, not just 75 hours. And it’s the most worthwhile journey you could ever take.

Frequently Asked Questions – How Many Hours to Read the Bible